New Leadership Group talks about the Next Muncie

VIDEO & EXCPERTS FROM CHANNEL 59, MUNCIE. A newly formed group is working to improve the city’s long-term redevelopment and revitalization plan. Next Muncie, which launched this week, is made up of community members from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. The group is co-chaired by the city’s two largest employers, Ball State University and IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital.

One focus is on providing more downtown housing options. “One of our main challenges is our occupancy rate for finding living arrangements is about at 97 or 98 percent,” said Dr. Jeff Bird, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital president. “We look at the housing market and the apartment market. We just don’t have anything available for people who want to live downtown.” Click for the full news segment and interview with Dr. Bird.